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   On December 11th, the Hill City/Northland girls Storm basketball team traveled to Finlayson to take on the East Central Eagles. The Storm jumped out to a quick lead, but foul trouble and a few turnovers made it only a two point game at halftime with the Storm up 27 to 25. The game remained close throughout the second half, the Storm handled their full court pressure down the stretch and held onto the lead, which forced the Eagles to foul. The Storm went on to win 59 to 49.

Nora Wake finished with 18 points, nine rebounds and Charity Berg finished with 16 points and five steals. Maddie Barnes also had 11 points and 12 rebounds.

   “We are trying to put two good halves together as far as trying to keep our focus and limit turnovers. This is the closest we’ve come to doing that so far. Our bench isn’t real deep, so I know part of it is fatigue. That’s why we need to slow the game down more, use our time wisely and not let the other team force us into a race.” said Head Coach Alec Wake. “We got into some foul trouble and had a few minor injuries, it was nice to see a couple of girls come off the bench and step up and help in a big way. Hopefully they’re getting more confidence.”

   The Storm then traveled to BigFork to take on the Huskies. Their only Senior out with a concussion, has left the Huskies team very young and inexperienced. The Storm jumped out with a quick lead and held on to it for the rest of the game and finished with a lopsided win, 72 to 20. 

   Wake finished with 28 points, eight rebounds, six steals and five assists. Berg had 12 points and seven steals. Barnes added nine points and Jasmine Kingsley had eight points. Madi King pulled down 10 rebounds and Ashlyn Schwarz had nine off the boards.

   “Our goal was not to play down, to stay focused and still play hard. I felt like the girls did that. We’ll play them again in a few weeks, I’m anticipating their best player will be back and it will look like a different team,”concluded Head Coach Wake about the game.

   The Storm finished the month with a home game in Remer Dec. 19 against Carlton-Wrenshall. After the Christmas break the Storm will face off with BigFork again Jan. 5 in Hill City before traveling to Silver Bay on Jan. 8.

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